Sunday, March 31, 2013

Ressurection Day

Today is Resurrection Day and as we rejoice in the Lord, let us thank Him for what He did for us in His death and resurrection.

"And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.  And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.  And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."
~Matthew 16:4-6


HE IS RISEN!!!!!!!!!

I wanted to share a poem I had written quite a few years ago (I typed it up for the first time yesterday and added a few little edits.) 

Forgiven!
By: Bethany Strang

“Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!”  The hateful screams began to grow.
“This man has blasphemed God!  To the cross He will go.”
As the ranting, raving crowd began to pull apart,
I saw a terrible scene that gripped my very heart.
There a man stood quietly with head bowed to the ground.
I saw Him whipped and beaten, but heard Him make no sound.
Then came soldiers, and with a royal robe they clothed Him.
To add to this they brought a crown with thorns, sharp and thin.
I gasped as I watched the soldiers press it in His head.
The thorns pierced in deeper and the blood poured out dark red.
The soldiers laughed and mocked Him, “No!” Cried I.  “How could you?”
But with wretched glee they screamed, “Hail!  King of the Jews!”
They spit into His loving face.  They ripped His beard completely out.
But the crowd scoffed and said, “So this is what that Jesus is all about.”
The Roman soldiers blindfolded Him and began to smack His face.
Calling out so loudly, “Who was it that hit you in the face?”
But Jesus made no outcry, instead He was silent.
I took this all in with wonder, still not knowing quite what it meant.
“Stand up you wicked prisoner!” The soldier began to rave.
“To the cross you are going, as the worst of these three knaves.”
Jesus stood in agony, but stumbled to the ground.
The soldier then just beat Him, with jeering crowd around.
“You Jew, get up!  You’re the Messiah, aren’t you?”
“Don’t stumble on the ground, you have a cross to go to.”
But now my heart was breaking and the tears began to flow.
How long I had been standing there, I simply did not know.
“How can you be so wickedly cruel to one poor man as that?”
I cried out to the Roman soldiers, weeping as I sat.
One turned around, muscular and tall.
He looked at me and said, “He’s a criminal, that’s all.
A criminal condemned to die,
And now His death is drawing nigh.”
The soldier turned and walked away,
Kicking Jesus where He lay.
“Move!  Stand up now.  On your feet!”
Jesus stood, but my gaze did He meet.
I froze.  Everything around disappearing away.
That solid gaze just seemed to say,
“I’m doing this because I love you, to save you from your sins,
So that in the Lamb’s book of life, your name will be written in.
But not just for you,
It’s for the soldiers and crowd too.”
“The soldiers and the crowd?” I thought.
“They hate Him!  Do they not?”
“Of course they hate Him,” I angrily spat out.
Looking at the twisted faces and sneering eyes all about.
But then I saw the soldiers, and with them a cross of wood.
Dragging it over to Jesus, they did with it what they would.
The cross they places upon His back.
Even though the strength He lacked.
Stop!  The burden is too much for Him!
But no, what did it matter to them?
For the moment the cross was in place,
To Golgotha did they set their face.
But while they were walking, Jesus began to slow.
Until in agony He stopped.  Not one more step could He go.
“He can not go on,” a man with sympathy said.
“He’s too weak, too wounded.  Why, He’s almost half-dead.”
“Ha!  Scoffed a soldier.  “Then you take His cross of doom!
Perhaps when He’s dead and buried, He’ll thank you from His tomb.”
The man whose name was Simon, walked over to where Jesus lay.
He gently took the cross, to put on his own shoulders right away.
But all too soon we were there, at the place of Calvary.
The place to kill this innocent Man—it’s murder!  Oh, don’t you see?
Now in horror did I watch this scene unfold before my eyes.
Two thieves and Jesus are led forward to their cross where it lies.
But first Jesus is stripped from His clothes to His dishonor and shame.
Then the Roman soldiers turned to the guilty thieves and did just the same.
So in humiliation on their crosses where they laid,
But to Jesus, the innocent, was there given no aid.
And now in horror I see a soldier with a hammer and some nails,
Fastening Jesus’ hands and feet to that cross.  My heart begins to wail.
Again and again the hammer on the nail did pound.
Echoing my heartbeat as it vibrated through the ground.
I watched as Jesus who was silent, who never yelled out a jeer,
Bear this awful sentence, as through His body, pain did sear.
The crosses were raised up high for all who stood to see.
The guiltless One made guilty.  How could this be?
Nevertheless they mocked Him more and more,
Laughing at His brokenness so torn and sore.
But in His pain-filled eyes are love and forgiveness unwavering.
Taking sin upon His sinless self, oh what a marvelous thing.
Then suddenly Jesus cried out, “My God, my God!  Why have you forsaken me?”
He hung, bleeding and broken and mocked, humiliated on that tree.
Then Jesus cried, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Guilt pricked my heart, as His convicting eyes seemed to bore me through.
Immediately in wild realization, away did I flee.
Knowing I had crucified Him.  Yes, it was me.
For because of my sin,
I had whipped Him.
Crushed the thorns into His head.  Spit into His loving face.
Beat Him, mocked Him.  Nailed His hands and feet into place.
Suddenly in wild terror I began to run away.
Not knowing what to do, just wishing I hadn’t seen this day.
But as I turned away, my eye caught that terrible scene.
And I remembered Jesus’ gaze, what it said and what it means.
Then abruptly I turned around and walked back to that cross.
Kneeling before Jesus Christ, whose life my sin did cost.
I whispered, “Father, I’m sorry.  Save me from my filthy sin.”
Jesus looked at me and said, “My blood has paid your price.  Child, you’re forgiven.”
“It is finished!”  He cried.
His head fell forward and He died.
On this day, God poured out His wrath on His only Son.
Christ paid our price with His blood.  It’s finished.  It’s done.
The Sinless became sin for us and God, in his holiness, turned away.
His death will give us life.  Through Him we can be saved.
Death will not have dominion over me!  I’m set free from my sin!
I am washed clean in His blood.  I am forgiven.
I slowly rose in thankfulness, for the price that He had paid.
I couldn’t fathom His love.  I’m so baffled, so amazed.
But now I look to you, my friend, are your sins washed away?
If not, confess them to Jesus, for He alone is the way.

Posted By:
~Bethany

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Chickies!

Eden bought some chicks a few days ago!  We hope to have Farm Fresh Eggs as soon as they are grown and Eden will also be selling a few! :)

Judah adores the chicks and now has claimed feeding them as one of his daily jobs with De-De!


Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oregon Symphony's Wiscarson Competition

A few weeks ago Jordan and I both participated in this competition.  Jordan as a competitor and me as his accompanist.
It was fun to work on Saint-Seans Piano Concerto No. 2 together and we had a wonderful time at the competition where Jordan, by God's grace, Won First Place! 

 It was a lovely day down at the University where the competition was held.

 We spent most of our time in the building to the left.

Jordan in the practice room.
I got a kick out of his head popping over the sign like that!

 Performing!

 I believe this was right at the beginning of the piece where I have a slight solo. ;)

 Teamwork!

 Outside the practice room.

 The Competitors line up (some were not able to stay for the awards ceremony).

 Jordan wins First Place!!!

 Jordan and I.

The people that put together this competition.

And for my reward, Jordan is going to take me out to see the Symphony (he got free tickets), so I'm sure you will be seeing pictures from that sometime!  

Posted By:
~Bethany

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Out On The Town!

 While up in Seattle, we took a walk around town and took some really fun pictures.

This one looks very artsy.

Who will pull harder?!

"Shall I step here?"

Jordan tries to impress his sisters... and did a pretty good job of it!  (Well, at least one of his sister's can stand on their hands!)

Waiting for the others to get coffee.

Striking a Ballet Pose.

Arabesque!

(Of course the best part of being "out on the town" is crossing the street like New Yorkers... but only certain members of our family do that!)

Posted By:
~Bethany

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Seattle Childrens

Warning!!!  This is going to be a long post with lots of pictures....  so if you don't like long posts or lots of pictures...  then skip it!  =)

Here's the same little guy that had his surgery back in August once again at Seattle Children's Hospital for his second echo trip and check up!  (Read about Judah's Heart for Jesus here).
We were blessed to be able to stop by Heritage Bible Church on the way up to Seattle....  wonderful to see you all!  (Cash family and Devines!)

 Then on Monday afternoon after getting out of the hotel rather quickly we were at the hospital signing in....  they've already got us all in the system and are starting to recognize us, haha! So signing in went rather quickly....

 Then we had a few minutes to get ready and organize everyone....

Then off went Judah, Mommy, Daddy, and Bethany to the echo (I went last time and it's absolutely amazing to see the echo!).  First thing, Judah gets weighed- he's becoming a pro!


Wow, here is the echo!  They take over 100 pictures of the heart.  Thank the Lord that the closed holes are doing great and the doctor doesn't think they will need to be addressed again!!

Next stop is the check up (any idea what his siblings were doing at this point? :)

 Checking Judah's other heart defect.... isn't he such an amazing, cute little guy? 
 

 Then after that, he was done!  Whew!  :)  On the way home, we stopped by the Holstens for dinner.  Thank you for having us, Holsten Family!!!  I don't think anyone took pictures though....  for some reason no one brought a camera on the trip so we had to rely on iPhones!

All the way home and until the next afternoon Judah wore a Holter Moniter which checked the
electrical activity of his heart for 24 hours- still awaiting the result on this!
He had a special little vest to keep the leads on.  Judah said it was tight!  And he thought it should be cotton too! :)  He was totally a pro with Holter Moniter...  and made sure that I knew how to properly wire it on him and make sure it was secure.

 And it is done!!!!  24 hours later!  Judah was delighted to see that the Holter Moniter said "Judah" on it when it was timed out.


We Love You, Judah!!
Posted By: Shiloh

Monday, March 11, 2013

Beautiful Saturday

It was so gorgeous outside on Saturday that I decided to take some pictures!  These are some of my most favorite spots around the farm.  They look so beautiful in every different season!


It really was sunny but the the sun out shined everything else in this picture!

 This is over looking the barn.  I love the pure, blue sky~ it so pretty here!

I've taken a lot of photos from this view-- it is a favorite spot!  That is our wood shelter and way out there is one of our pastures.  When the grass was really high, I mowed a maze of trails.  This is one of my favorite areas to take a quick walk around.
  
Here's the same area again~ looking farther into the field.  You can see the shadows along with the spots of sunshine.  Thank the Lord for the sun!  It is so beautiful!!
 Finally, at last, flowers!

 This is looking into the brush and trees.  Father out there and across the road is the area we logged.  Without the trees standing it looks like it goes on forever.  :)

Now for all of you "photography nuts"...  would you believe me that these are all unedited iPhone shots?  And not even the new iPhone!  :)

The heavens declare the glory of God! 
This is the day which the LORD hath made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!

~Shiloh

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Happy Purim!!

So we are a bit late.... Purim as February 23-24, but better late then never, right!? :) Mommy started the Haman Hat cookies last night and now they are in the oven.... just a moment ago you could hear little feet scampering upstairs as they awaited help with pinning and taping together their costumes.... eventually two matching Mordecais and one Queen Esther emerged--ready for their Purim celebration. I was happy enough to be able to catch Queen Esther and Mordecai and Mordecai number 2 for some quick PhotoBoth pictures. :) Enjoy! ~Shiloh 

(Blogger is acting a little funny today so~ click on the pictures to make them lager.)










Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, Master of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding the reading of the Megillah. Amen.














Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, Master of the universe, 
who performed 
miracles for our fathers in those days at this time. Amen.


































































Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, Master of the universe,
who has kept us alive and has sustained us, and brought us to 

this season. Amen.





In between the pictures is the Berachot Megillat.  These are
three blessings that are traditionally read during Purim before
reading the scroll of Esther (the Megillar Esther) which would
basically the book of Esther.  After the story there is another
blessing regarding God's vengeance that is often recited and
then the oneg begins! 


During Purim we read the story of Esther and remember
God's deliverance to His people!  We also like to dress up
and eat hamantashens! :)

Happy Purim!


 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Jordan's Concert

As one of the winners of the 2013 Jewish Community Orchestra Young Artist's Showcase, Jordan performed Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto with the JCO.  It was a very special time for all of us as we enjoyed a glorious performance, wonderful music, and special friends.

Is he cute or what?!

Special commercial advertisement for the iPhone by your truly.  ;)

Jordan having a last minute conversation with Dr. Appert.

Just prior to the concert, the three of us discuss seating arrangement.
(Let me tell you... that's far from easy when there are nine people to find a seat for and each person has an opinion!)

Dr. Appert introduces the four young artists.

 Jordan ready to perform!

The room filling up...

And off he goes.

It was definitely an stellar performance!

Extremely well done!
(The flowers were worth it.  Okay, I'm just kidding!)

Mr. G. (Jordan's piano teacher) congratulates him.  
I'm glad I got that picture right at the perfect moment.

 The four winners of the Young Artist's competition.

 Elanee S. and the adorable Marianna B.   She is (well, both of them are!) precious.


Marianna is obviously everyone's favorite little friend.

 Evidently I thought it was funny and Shiloh thought it was shocking.  ;)

My dear sisters and friends.

 The infamous Thompson and Thomson.  Wait, it might be Thomson and Thompson... I'm really not sure because it's kind of hard to tell them apart.

My two proud parents.
They are the ones that have given us blessings that we have.

 Awwww!  Judah gives his big brother a big hug.

Updated family picture.

Afterwards we went out to eat and to celebrate!



Special thanks to Evan S. for the pictures (well, the majority) and the video.  What would we do without our amazing photographer?!

Posted By:
~Bethany